The lower peninsula of Michigan is inhabited by two species of closely related white-footed deer mice, Peromyscus leucopus and Peromyscus maniculatus. Both of these species are hosts for the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis which acts as the vector for B. burgdorferi infection. However, it’s been determined that P. leucopus is the main reservoir host for […]
B37: Miami Middletown Greenhouse Pathogen Identification and Management
Houseplants improve our mental and physical well-being, productivity, and enhance the overall appearance of a space. Unfortunately foliage plants are often attacked by pests and pathogens which can negatively impact their health and appearance. As a Botany major and student worker on the Middletown campus, I began taking care of the plant maintenance in the […]
B31: Visualizing Gene Expression to Understand Ocular Development and Regeneration
The embryonic eye is composed of a number of ectoderm-derived structures that ultimately give rise to a diverse array of cell types and complex tissues. Extensive cell-cell communication and precisely coordinated molecular events are necessary to differentiate the associated cell types, including within the retina. Embryonic days 4 and 5 of chicken development encompass a […]
B30: Long term trends in suspended sediments and nutrients in Four Mile Creek Watershed
Four Mile Creek watershed is the largest sub watershed that drains into Acton Lake. This is predominantly an agricultural watershed. Seeing recent changes in farming techniques, like the switch to conservation tillage, affects the soil and waterways nearby. The Vanni Lab here at Miami University monitors the effects of non-point source pollution from agriculture in […]
A55: The Impact of Methylation on the Epigenetic Regulation of the SLC9B1 gene
DNA methylation is a critical mechanism for the epigenetic control of tissue differentiation in organisms, particularly when it comes to the development of sperm and testes. There is little information, however, concerning specific methylation patterns and their effects on these regions. One gene of interest is SLC9B1, which codes for NHA1, a sodium-hydrogen exchanger that […]
A54: Characterizing the Role of NHE11 in Mammalian Sperm Physiology Using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Edited Mice
Sodium Hydrogen Exchangers (NHEs) are a family of proteins which are important for maintaining the pH of a cell. A few NHEs have been found to be essential for the function and fertility of sperm cells. One of these in particular, NHE11, is exclusively expressed in the sperm and testes. NHE11 is also the only […]
A52: Retina Regeneration in the Spanish Newt
Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairment diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. These diseases affect the retina, a layer of cells in the posterior portion of the eye that is responsible for transmitting signals to your brain through photoreceptors that allow you to see. Our lab focuses on regenerating the retina and […]
A50: Effect of Humidity on Foraging Success and Web Structure in Two Invasive Species of Cellar Spiders (Araneae: Pholcidae)
The coexistence of two ecologically similar species could be explained by differential use of microhabitats. This study investigated factors that influence foraging and web building behavior of two invasive species of arthropod predators in the family Pholcidae. Both are well-adapted to human dwellings, with Pholcus phalangioides, the larger species, undergoing displacement in Southwest Ohio by […]
B34: Potential Drivers of Decadal Bluegill Patterns in Turbid Reservoirs
Larval fish population dynamics are influenced by biotic and abiotic factors. Larval stages of planktivorous fish temporally overlap in aquatic systems. In midwestern reservoirs in the USA, larval stages of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) temporally overlap in early-mid summer. Larval gizzard shad hatch earlier (early May) than bluegill (June) and can […]
B36: Modeling Habitat Suitability for the Endangered Species, Equus Grevy (Grevy’s Zebra)
Species endangerment is a prominent, yet complex threat to our ecosystems because no two species are the same. Thus, a unique approach is required to effectively conserve each species. These approaches require a range of detailed information to ensure that conservation efforts are achievable without expending don’t cause inadvertent effects on the species health, relationships, […]